It was worth waiting under the rain in September 2018. Weather and status of the major reconstructions on the entrance of the Westfalenhallen last year were definitely tragic, and many (in charge of the Fair and not) noted and remarked the same. This year the situation dramatically improved, reconstruction were finished, with a sumptuous main entrance enlighten by the 26 degrees of a quite uncommon German autumn.
The largest tobacco fair in the World can now count on impressive numbers: in 2018 625 companies, coming from 54 countries, showed their products, and in 2019 these numbers seem to even have increased. Many are the halls, however the cigar aficionados continue to mainly visit Halle 4 and 7, one adjacent to the other. The most recurrent question is related to the new products hitting tobacco shops now, or in the first months of next year. And news are several, proof of renewed creative energy.
The most important brands are present and proudly show off the projects they developed. The main reason to visit not only Halle 4, but also Halle 7 is Arturo Fuente. Their warm welcome, their magnetic personalities and their creativity. Being near to them for some minutes means touching the history and the present of this world we worship. A large variety of news is expected for the CAO brand, each of them amazingly described with passion by Rick Rodriguez. CAO Nicaragua, the search for the perfect balance between an intended medium body and a very rich taste profile. CAO Session, a colorful and intense experiment and CAO Amazon’s heritage, which will be named CAO Oriana.
Among the others we would like to point out Casa Turrent, who will propose four different interpretations of the Premium “Linea 1880”, each one characterized by a different wrapper, Claro, Colorado, Oscuro and Maduro. Wide visibility and major expectations also for the Alma del Fuego by Plasencia. The new cigar belongs to the Alma line, which also includes the Alma del Campo and the highly rated Alma Fuerte. Great interest is also generated by Joya de Nicaragua, who presented the Conncticut wrapped Lancero named Numero Uno.
Even Hedon, very interesting French boutique brand, the undisputed most original booth owner in the fair, foresees to launch a shorter size soon, quite similar to a Petit Robusto, with a more full bodied blend. AJ Fernandez introduces Dias de Gloria and New World Cameroon Selection, the latter dedicated to smokers looking for a less pronounced body, yet rich in flavors. The shared My Father-Tatuaje booth was on introduced the La Promesa and Pete Johnson’s brand presented the MEII line.
Alec Bradley, with the presence of Bradley, featured the latest news that are going to hit the market very soon. Among the new cigars, the Gatekeeper line stands out. Villiger was also present this year, with the usual huge booth. Next year will be the 90th birthday of Heinrich Villiger.
Among the most attractive booths it is impossible not to mention Davidoff’s, even more inviting than last year’s, thanks to an open layout, a meeting (and refreshment) point in Halle 4. In addition, last year’s original experiment in Agio’s booth returned (with our major appreciation). In the booth it was possible to enjoy food, spirits and cigars pairings, such as Dueto Ovacion by Balmoral (crafted with E.P. Carrillo), Liga Privada by Drew Estate and La Volcada by La Flor Dominicana.
However the golden medal of the most improved image compared to 2018, with no doubt, belongs to JC Newman. This year with their own booth and a very clear message related to the true American adventure of a family counting on several generations. You feel the friendly, respectful and kind attitude of all the people belonging to this company, starting from the owners of different generations, up to the ones serving coffee, making the booth the most appreciated in the fair, with a style which is a clear heritage of the company.
Also Toscano presents “Made in Italy” to the entire World, featuring one of the most open, welcoming and elegant booth, featuring the evocative image of a Sigaraia rolling cigars in front of people.
Even very extensively awaited Cuban cigars have been spotted, such as Trinidad Media Luna, Punch Short de Punch and H.Upmann Proprios Edicion Limitada 2018, featured (and many times pictured) by the German Habanos importer 5a Avenida.
Lets not forget the urban culture of Drew Estate, opposite to the traditional classic cigar World, a very different generation perfectly embodied by its ambassador.
Many Boutique Brands were present, to whom CigarsLoverMagazine recently started dedicating their own section. Interesting stories and unique cigars, which are worth trying when able to find them: El Artista, Principle Cigars, Vegas de Santiago, Black Label Trading Company, Cavalier de Geneve, Adventura, Mombacho, Kuuts, CigarKings, Condega, Padilla, Dapper, Curivari, Don Capa and many more.
One fair, many different worlds, old friends, new perspectives and temptations. How is the Intertabac doing? Compared to the IPCPR in US, the sun shines over Dortmund in September.